EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental — A suspected High-Value Individual (HVI) involved in the illegal drug trade was arrested after authorities seized more than ₱612,000 worth of suspected shabu during the implementation of a search warrant in Zone 4, Barangay Poblacion, El Salvador City, on August 4, 2026.
The operation was carried out through a joint law enforcement effort led by the El Salvador City Police Station, in coordination with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Special Enforcement Team 10 Alpha.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Carlo,” 40 years old, married, and a resident of El Salvador City, was taken into custody without reported incident during the implementation of the search warrant.
Authorities recovered four large sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated total weight of approximately 90 grams. Based on the government’s Standard Drug Price, the confiscated illegal drugs have an estimated street value of ₱612,000.
Aside from the suspected shabu, operatives also seized various drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in the packaging and distribution of illegal drugs. These included improvised plastic scoops, aluminum foil strips, cigarette lighters, and several empty plastic sachets.
Police said the recovered evidence has been properly documented and will undergo laboratory examination as part of the investigation.
The arrested suspect is currently detained at the El Salvador City Police Station, where authorities are preparing criminal charges against him for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The successful operation forms part of the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) and its partner law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling drug networks and removing the supply of illegal narcotics from communities across Northern Mindanao.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, emphasizing that the government’s anti-drug campaign remains focused on protecting communities and ensuring public safety.